Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

I have done the search for the fluid etc for the 32 ford gas gauge and coming up empty. Mac`s is on a 2month wait, and A & L Parts doesn`t have a good ph or contact info. Looks like they mention they are wholesale only now as well. Anyone have a source for the red fluid? Thanks

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/un...ts-specialties


A & L Parts Specialties is located at Po Box 301 in Canton, Connecticut 06019. A & L Parts Specialties can be contacted via phone at (860) 693-0112 for pricing, hours and directions.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

Correct, A & L only sells to dealers now.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

I bought 4 ounces of red gauge fluid on EBAY for 16.95.
This is the same stuff the vendors are selling in those micro bottles for 6.95.
It has worked OK for me so far.
You could probably fill 100 of those tiny bottles.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

Some reading...
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/m...&post_id=70322

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

Thats a good read Brian, now someone needs to mix up a batch of good stuff to sell in small quantity's. My gauge rebuilt 2 years ago first turned to clear, and now is empty. I have found that the big stir sticks for 5 gallon pails at the paint store make a good gas gauge too

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

Yes indeed cas3, it is not just old Fords that need this stuff, other brands ran the same system and the owners have the same need of a good, quality liquid for their fuel gauges. Tetra-bromo-ethane, with a specific gravity of 2.95, dyed with Durant scarlet dye, was the original formula. The alternative dye mentioned in the above article, would appear to be a good color fast substitute for the Durant stuff.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

I obtained a small supply of NOS original fluid some years ago off Ebay complete in the original ford bottle Unfortunately all but gone now -However even that faded over time -Karl

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

Karl, It's a fancy, colorful label on the original Ford bottle isn't it?

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

I had one of those small bottles I found on EBAY also.Yes the graphics are very nice. Here is a pic of the fluid in comparing with what is offered today.On the left that I have is the orig from that bottle and on the right the new stuff.The new is whats comes in the line kit from vendors.After 3 yrs in the '33 I once owned it (orig)did not fade,in fact its almost to dark.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

I have some that a friend said was original stuff. Used it and it lasted several years before going clear. It is dark as noted above rather than brighter red . I also recently bought some of the newly available fluid from one of the specialtly vendors mentioned here on the Fordbarn for $25. It lasted about 2 months before going clear. My best advice is to get the special hex/barrel nuts from Mike Driscoll so you can easily remove the gage periodically and refresh it with a hobby syringe. For the fluid, use what you can get and change it when clear. Not a great solution, but the barrel nuts make it way better, especially on a duel temp gage.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

how do i refill a '36 gas gauge? or is that even a DIY project? looks like both ends of the thin reinforced tube are soldered on.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

First,'36 had an electric gauge,Not hydrostatic. Second ,you fill in the brass hex on back of gauge and if the line to the glass tube is clean(incl glass tube) the fluid will appear. Pictured is the back of an orig 32 gas gauge.That thin line must be clear(clean) all the way to the glass tube in the gauge housing.Acetone and or brake clean helps unclogging sometimes.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

jdpaxton, I don't know where you live but I have a bottle of the original Ford fluid. If you were within driving distance I could help you out. It is illegal to ship the original substance. See the picture in my Misc album. This fluid is still as red as the day it was made 90+ years ago.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

Just looked at your Misc album. That is exactly the same bottle I got off an EBAY auction years ago. The darker fluid in post #10 is what's left that I still have. I donated the empty bottle with its box to The Early Ford Store.

Re: Those early FORD GAS GAGES
 

I used the product that came from Macs still good ,I think its all about the clean ,(contaminates ) take a photo for future use ,